In a large-scale counter-terrorism operation, Pakistani security forces have killed at least 16 militants affiliated with the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The operations were conducted in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, according to a report published on Tuesday, April 22, by The Express Tribune.
Authorities confirmed that police, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), and security forces carried out separate raids on Monday targeting TTP militants.
In Punjab’s Mianwali district, a joint police-CTD operation in the Makrawal area led to the death of at least 10 militants. The operation was launched based on intelligence reports indicating the presence of 20–30 militants in the mountainous region. A gunfight ensued between the militants and security personnel. No casualties among security forces were reported, though one local civilian was injured.
Later the same day, the Pakistani military reported that six more militants were killed during intelligence-based operations in the Waziristan region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), five militants were killed in Razmak, North Waziristan. Another high-profile TTP leader, Jabi Ullah alias Zakran, was killed in an operation in South Waziristan. He was reportedly involved in multiple terrorist attacks and was listed among the country’s most wanted individuals.
ISPR added that further operations are ongoing in the area as more militants may be hiding in the region.
The TTP has been responsible for numerous attacks in Pakistan since its emergence in 2007. The group is banned in Pakistan and recognized internationally as a terrorist organization.